Abstract

POWDER MICROSCOPICAL EVALUATION – LAGHU GOKSHURA PHALA (FRUIT OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN.)

Dr. Raju Zinzala*, Dr. Dharmendra Jani and Isha Adhyaru

ABSTRACT

Background: The requirement for raw materials is increasing in modern times due to the growing demand for herbal products. In order to compensate for the shortage of natural resources, adulteration and substitution are growing along with manufacturing these days. Thus, keeping an eye on this is essential. Therefore, the pharmacognosy of raw materials is crucial. Powder microscopy is a part of pharmacognosy which helps with contaminant identification as well as drug authenticity. Powders are commonly used for most of the preparations. Powder microscopy is an important technique to assess and standardize herbal powder and, finally, validate herbal medications. Material & Method: Powder microscopy of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.) was carried out. Slides of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.) were prepared using required reagents and observed under the microscope. Observation & Result: Powder microscopy of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.) shows group of scleroids from endocarp, Thick and thin-walled fibers, Fragment of endosperm, Spiral vessel from vascular strand etc. Discussion and Conclusion: One of the simplest techniques for accurately identifying a herbal medicine is powder microscopy. Structure like entire fragment of trichome, testa in surface view, group of scleroids from endocarp, thick and thin-walled fibers, fragment of endosperm, oil globules and starch grains from endosperm, spiral vessel from vascular strand, prismatic and rosette crystals, isolated sclereids from mesocarp, fragment of epicarp in surface view are shown in a powder microscopy of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.).

Keywords: Powder microscopy, Laghu Gokshura, Tribulus terestris Linn.